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As the nights get cooler, the more we look forward
to the warmth and beauty of a wood-burning stove or
fireplace. However, chimneys used with wood-burning
stoves, fireplaces, and fireplace inserts are potential
fire hazards. Most chimney fires are ignited by the
creosote, which is a black tar-like substance that builds
up inside the chimney with normal use. Some homeowners
may not even be aware that such a chimney fire has even
happened. However, the damage caused by such an undiscovered
flare-up could leave the chimney susceptible to a large,
more damaging fire.
In addition, most fires involving either masonry or prefabricated metal chimneys occur because of improper installation, use, or maintenance. These are the common causes of fires:
- improper chimney installation too close to wood framing;
- installation of thermal insulation too close to the chimney;
- improperly passing the stovepipe or chimney through a ceiling or wall, causing ignition of wood framing;
- corrosion or rusting of the inner liners of metal chimneys;
- buckling, separation of the seam, or collapsing of the inner liner of metal chimneys which can result from too hot a fire, especially in high-efficiency stoves and in fireplace inserts, or from a creosote fire.
Even when a heating appliance is property installed, people with either metal or masonry chimney systems should frequently check the chimney for creosote deposits, soot build-up, or physical damage. This involves only a simple visual examination, but it should be done as often as twice a month during heavy use. If you see heavy creosote buildup, suspect a problem, or have had a chimney fire, a qualified chimney repairman or chimney "sweep" should perform a complete safety inspection.
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